As the summer of 2016 garnered heat, song writer and performer Alicia Keys started a movement. She penned a poignant essay on womanhood, did a raw, intimate photoshoot for her single In Common and filled her Instagram with snaps of her makeup-free face.
Keys, of course, is not the sole celebrity to reveal – and celebrate – her bare face. Mila Kunis glowed in only eye cream, skin serum and lip balm on the August cover of Glamour. Kim Kardashian, the queen of heavy made-up glam, stunned at Balenciaga Paris fashion week show, wearing nothing but moisturizer and lip balm. The roster of celebs posing barefaced grows with the likes of Bella Hadid, Cameron Diaz, Cindy Crawford, Bar Refaeli, Gwyneth Paltrow among others.
Yet, not until Keys’ untouched-beauty snaps coupled with her empowering message did the minimalistic trend take off, trickling down to the gaggles of bloggers and fashionistas and a multitude of girls and women. Today, #IWokeUpLikeThis, #NoMakeUp and #MakeupFree boast close to 15 million posts on Instagram alone. Going into 2017, the trend is to further boom.
As brave as Keys’ decision not to wear makeup might be, the singer faced criticism. Some alleged she is anti-makeup (a notion she has disputed), others contended that her be-you advice is hard to follow in the presence of blemishes, scars and other imperfections. The latter assert a valid point– it is much easier to confidently show a flawless skin than it is to do so a compromised complexion. That is why Haute Beauty has collected tips on how to enhance your skin for a makeup-less gig.
Hydrate – Water, Water and Water Replace the morning joe or tea with a glass of hot water and lemon. The zero-calorie drink will kick start your metabolism, hydrate your skin from within and flush out the toxins from you system. If you feel an extra bit committed to achieving a superb no-makeup appearance, replace your facial cleaner with good ol’ lukewarm water – splash your face in the morning, evening and after exercise. This simple routine will clear away the impurities without unnecessarily irritating your skin. In case you are stickler for cleaners, though, choose gentle, alcohol-free ones.
Exfoliate – but Gently Dead cells and free radicals clog pores, prompting breakouts, and dull your skin. Strip them off with twice-weekly exfoliation to reveal a heathy glow. If you are looking for simple, make-at-home exfoliants, lukewarm water and baking soda is an easy and potent concoction. Do not overdo it, however, as the coarse baking soda may chafe – even tear – your skin
SPF – The Three Letters to Remember Whether the sun is scorching down or not, do not leave the house without sunscreen on. Even a cloudy day may lead to a sunburn, the Sun Safety Alliance cautions. For maximum protection opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of 30 and above. A grain of sunscreen a day will protect you against wrinkles, dryness and discolorations – not to mention skin cancer.
Moisturize with Caution If you feel you need a drop more hydration than what plain water can provides, opt for noncomedogenic moisturizers, even if your skin is healthy. These kind of products reduce breakouts and keep the skin supple and radiant. Yet, do not splurge on moisturizers. Dr. Zein Obagi, a pioneer dermatologist in skin rejuvenation, warns that over time they leave the skin dull, incapable of maintaining its own natural defenses.
Fight the wrinkles Anti-wrinkle creams may not miraculously erase fine lines. Yet, upon application, they temporarily smooth over their appearance, instantly making your skin look younger. Chose products, rich in retinol, tea extracts and Vitamin C, as these ingredients enhance skin elasticity.
No Touching Resist the urge to cup your chin or rub your brow. This not only transfers bacteria and germs from your hands onto your face but also irritates the skin, which is thinner and weaker than on the rest of your body. Also, no matter how ripe for popping a pimple may seem, do not squeeze it. Leave it to heal on its own to avoid any pesky splotches and scars. To reduce the redness of a zit, press an ice cube to it – the cold fights the inflammation by hastening the blood circulation to the spot.
Eat Healthy A healthy skin is a beautiful skin, so start from within. Cleanse your diet from fried and processed food and bet on fresh vegetables and fruits. Especially beneficial for the skin’s glow are carrots and cucumbers. The latter possess vitamin C and caffeic acid, both of which allay inflammations and irritations. The former contain the antioxidant beta carotene that repairs skin tissue and protects it from the sunrays.
Show Your Eyebrows Some Love To enhance your sans makeup look, pay an extra attention to your eyebrows. The more natural they are, the better. Smear them in natural oils – castor oil, coconut oil or olive oil – every evening to give an extra luster to the hairs. If you struggle with unruly or over-plucked eyebrows, seek out professional assistance to achieve the shape that complements your features.
Even if your skin suffers from imperfection – just like the rest of us – do not stress out. Even the stars cheat – fine strokes of primer and concealer and illuminator, of mascara and lip gloss are allowed.
